Crusaders' turnovers end 2-game win streak

Monday

Dec 17, 2012 at 1:09 PMDec 17, 2012 at 1:14 PM

The Immanuel Christian girls basketball team turned the ball over a season-high 29 times against CIF-SS Division VI powerhouse Los Angeles Adventist (9-3) Wednesday in a 39-25 loss, which ended a two-game win streak for the Crusaders (3-3).

By Bob SmithHead Coach of the Immanuel Christian girls basketball team

LOS ANGELES — The Immanuel Christian girls basketball team turned the ball over a season-high 29 times against CIF-SS Division VI powerhouse Los Angeles Adventist (9-3) Wednesday in a 39-25 loss, which ended a two-game win streak for the Crusaders (3-3)."The Eagles magnified a glaring weakness of our team in creating turnovers," Crusader Coach Bob Smith said. "We have got to do a better job with the ball in our hands, and secure the ball prior to doing something else with it."The Eagles are ranked No. 2 in the division, and could very well be a CIF playoff opponent for the Crusaders in February."I told our team we need to come into this game and swim with a team like this, rather than sink," Smith said. "Our non-league schedule has us facing several highly-ranked teams, including No. 3 Cal Lutheran and Lone Pine. Our goal is to come out with a win, of course, and if not, at least play well and fix the little things we find."We did that against the Eagles. I assured the girls the things I am aware of fixable."The Crusaders faced a tenacious defense that forced outside-in-action, which led to the team's 26 percent shooting from the field, which is nearly half of what the team has accomplished during its short two-game win streak."We were able to handle the Eagle press pretty well, and we clearly out rebounded that team, but our protection let us down for the most part," Smith said.The Crusaders had balanced scoring for the game with Jennifer Mondragon (8 pts), Morgan Lieser (7 pts) and Elicia Hazlewood (7 pts) leading the way. Tara Henderson had 14 rebounds to add to her three points, which tied for game high with Mondragon who had nine more offensive rebounds.The Lady Crusaders play three games next week before the Christmas break, with a road game at Lucerne Valley Monday, and home games Tuesday and Friday with Lucerne Valley and Mammoth, respectively. All home games are played at the Kerr McGee Center and begin at 5 p.m.